One OK Rock is a popular Japanese rock band that formed in 2005. They are known for their energetic live shows and blend of genres like alternative rock, emo, pop punk, and post-hardcore. Muse is a famous English rock band that has been active since 1994. They are recognized for their unique sound, dramatic live performances, and science fiction-influenced lyrics.
In 2022, rumors started circulating that One OK Rock would be the opening act for part of Muse’s Will of the People World Tour in 2023. As of October 2023, these rumors have not been confirmed by either band. There has been lots of speculation among fans about whether One OK Rock will actually open for Muse on their upcoming tour.
Background on One OK Rock
One OK Rock was formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2005 by Toru Yamashita (guitar), Ryota Kohama (bass), Alex Onizawa (guitar), and Tomoya Kanki (drums). They got their name from a play on “One o’clock,” when the band members would regularly practice. Their debut album Zeitakubyō came out in 2007. Since then, One OK Rock has released 8 full-length studio albums. Their music is often classified as alternative rock, emo, post-hardcore and pop punk. Some of their most well-known songs include “The Beginning”, “Mighty Long Fall”, and “Wasted Nights”.
The band has achieved significant popularity and success across Asia. They have played at huge festivals like Rock in Japan Festival and Summer Sonic Festival. One OK Rock has won several major music awards in Japan and other parts of Asia. They have collaborated with artists like Avril Lavigne, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Steve Aoki. In recent years, One OK Rock has worked to expand their reach globally by touring in Europe, South America, and the United States.
Background on Muse
Muse originated in Teignmouth, England and consists of Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals), and Dominic Howard (drums). The band was formed in 1994 and released their debut album Showbiz in 1999. Since then, Muse has released 8 studio albums and developed an iconic alternative rock sound combined with influences from electronic, progressive rock and classical music.
Some of Muse’s most acclaimed songs include “Time Is Running Out”, “Starlight”, “Uprising”, and “Knights of Cydonia”. They are distinguished by their elaborate, theatrical live shows incorporating special lighting, stage props, and visuals. Muse has won several prestigious music awards including two Grammy Awards, five MTV Europe Music Awards, and two Brit Awards.
Since the early 2000s, Muse has emerged as one of the most popular and influential rock bands in the world. They have headlined top festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella, and Reading/Leeds and sold out stadiums globally. Their albums often debut at number one in multiple countries. Muse draws comparison to bands like Queen and Radiohead in terms of combining rock music with high art concepts, experimentation, and poignant lyrics.
Rumors of One OK Rock Opening for Muse
In January 2022, some social media users and blogs began speculating that One OK Rock would be an opening act on Muse’s upcoming tour in 2023. These rumors seemed to originate from fan wishful thinking and conjecture rather than official sources. Some fans noticed that One OK Rock already had concert dates scheduled in Europe in early 2023 with gaps that could potentially line up with Muse’s tour.
Additional fuel was added to the rumors when Ryota Kohama of One OK Rock posted a photo on Instagram from one of Muse’s concerts in summer 2022. Some interpreted this as a hint that the bands could be collaborating. However, Kohama did not explicitly state anything about One OK Rock touring with Muse. Fans also noticed some interaction on social media between members of both bands, reading into the possibility of a partnership.
Overall, there has been a lot of unverified hypothesizing among enthusiastic fans about One OK Rock opening for part of the Muse tour. As of October 2023, neither One OK Rock nor Muse have made any official announcement about One OK Rock joining any leg of the tour as an opening act or otherwise. Muse has not yet confirmed the lineup of any supporting acts for the tour dates.
Muse’s Upcoming Tour Details
Muse recently announced the Will of the People tour in support of their ninth studio album Will of the People, released in August 2022. The worldwide arena tour is scheduled to kick off in Mexico in late February 2023. Currently, the North American leg is planned for April to June 2023 with stops in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Boston, and more.
Then Muse heads to Europe in late June 2023 playing shows in UK, France, Italy, and other countries through mid-August. Additional legs in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are slated for fall 2023. The extensive tour is booked through March 2024 concluding in Muse’s home country of England.
Month | Locations |
---|---|
February – March 2023 | Mexico |
April – June 2023 | North America |
June – August 2023 | Europe |
Fall 2023 | Latin America, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand |
February – March 2024 | UK |
The tour promises to be an impressive production with Muse’s signature dazzling visuals, unique staging, and lighting spectaculars. Past Muse tours have featured futuristic high-tech visual effects and avant-garde set designs. Fans can expect a true cinematic rock experience on this tour in support of their new album.
Analysis of Possibility of One OK Rock Opening for Muse on Tour
While nothing official has been announced, there are some logical considerations around the likelihood of One OK Rock being added as an opening act for part of Muse’s 2023 tour:
Scheduling and Availability
One OK Rock already has shows booked in Europe in spring 2023 with gaps that fall conveniently during Muse’s European leg of the tour from late June to mid August. This boosts the chances that One OK Rock could be slated to open some of those shows. Their existing touring schedule reveals availability that matches up with Muse.
Previous Opening Slots
One OK Rock does have a history of scoring major opening slots for big-name artists on tour. In 2013, they opened for Linkin Park on their European tour. In 2016-2017, they were an opening act for 5 Seconds of Summer’s shows in Japan and North America. They also opened part of Avril Lavigne’s Asian tour in 2015. So they have experience playing as openers for iconic acts in various locations.
Genre Compatibility and Fanbase Overlap
While One OK Rock and Muse have some distinct styles, there are enough similarities that fans of either band could enjoy both acts. Their sounds both fall under the umbrella of alternative rock. There is likely some demographic overlap with their fanbases as well. Having One OK Rock open could help expand Muse’s audience reach to younger listeners less familiar with their catalog.
Main Act Choices
Muse has not yet announced any supporting acts for their 2023 tour legs. They do tend to choose relatively newer alt-rock bands as openers that bring extra energy. Based on their past tourmates like PVRIS, Royal Blood, and twenty one pilots, One OK Rock would be a fitting matchup musically and aesthetically. Their youthful vibe could complement Muse’s stage show well.
Promotional Potential
This opportunity would be great exposure for One OK Rock to gain more listeners in Europe and North America on a mass scale opening for Muse. It allows them to show off their live talent in front of huge crowds in large venues and festivals. For Muse, having a popular overseas act like One OK Rock open expands their international flavor.
Setlist Possibilities if One OK Rock Opens for Muse
If One OK Rock were to open for part of the Muse 2023 tour, they would likely play a 45-60 minute set focused on their most upbeat, high-energy tracks and signature songs. Here are some possibilities of what their potential opening setlist could include:
We Are
This anthemic track off their 2013 album 35xxxv would be perfect to kick off their set to get the crowd pumped up right away. Its motivational lyrics, pulsing beat, and soaring chorus make it an ideal opener.
Take What You Want
Also from 35xxxv, this tune features One OK Rock’s blend of alternative, pop punk, and post-hardcore. Its rebellious sound should excite fans. The call-and-response chanting is ideal for audience participation.
Push Back
The futuristic synths mixed with rock elements on this Ambitions song would sound massive in a large venue. Taka’s smooth vocals gliding over the electronics and guitars showcase One OK Rock’s crossover appeal.
Bedroom Warfare
One of One OK Rock’s most popular tracks, this high-energy song has a driving rhythm and angsty lyrics exploring dysfunctional relationships. Concert-goers are sure to sing along to the catchy chorus.
Renegades
The title track from One OK Rock’s 2015 album has become a fan favorite. Its mix of pop, punk, and alternative showcases their range. The defiant, youthful anthem will get the audience jumping and moshing.
I Was King
This standout from their 2016 album Ambitions has a funky, rhythmic riff with Taka’s smooth crooning over the top. The slick sound shows their maturation as contemporary rock hitmakers. The chorus builds from a whisper to an emotional belt.
Jaded
The opening synth line always electrifies the audience at One OK Rock shows. Taka’s emotional vocals soar over this drum-driven Eyedrop track. Its blend of sentimental lyricism with high energy instrumentation makes it a setlist staple.
The Beginning
This hit single has become One OK Rock’s most recognizable track. Its burst of rhythmic power pop is irresistible. Concert-goers are sure to clap along to the infectious beat. Taka’s heartfelt delivery has become iconic. It would be the perfect way to wrap up their opening set.
Conclusion
In summary, while One OK Rock has not been officially confirmed as an opener for Muse’s 2023 tour, the possibility remains plausible. Their convenient scheduling availability coupled with their proven capability to successfully support major arena acts makes them a viable candidate. Their dynamic, youthful energy would mesh well with Muse’s more sophisticated theatrical shows. Opening for part of the European or North American legs would offer strong promotional value for One OK Rock. If chosen as a supporting act, they have plenty of anthemic hits to choose from to whip up the crowd and complement Muse’s set. Fans will have to wait eagerly for more news to see if the rumors become reality. For now, the potential partnership remains speculative and unverified. But there are compelling reasons why One OK Rock would make sense joining Muse on tour for a leg or two in 2023.